New York- The annual NFL Top 100 list, as voted by the players, has revealed its definitive ranking for the 2025 season. This year’s top 10 is a mix of established superstars and rising legends who redefined their positions with breathtaking performances. From record-breaking running backs to a historic defensive force, here are the top players to watch out for in 2025 as stated by the NFL Official Website based on their 2024 performances.
10. Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos, Cornerback
After a career-defining season that earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award, Patrick Surtain II cracks the top 10. The 25-year-old was a lockdown presence in the secondary, with opposing quarterbacks often avoiding his side of the field entirely. According to advanced metrics, he did not allow more than 50 receiving yards in any game. His standout moment came in Week 5 against the Raiders, where he returned one of his four interceptions for a game-changing 100-yard touchdown. Surtain’s dominance was a key factor in the Broncos’ defense, which generated a league-high 63 sacks and propelled the team to its first postseason appearance in a decade.
- Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings, Wide Receiver
A bounce-back 2024 campaign saw Justin Jefferson return to the top echelon of the league’s wide receivers. His 1,533 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns played a crucial role in Minnesota’s 14-win season. The 26-year-old’s acrobatic catches and elite route running were on full display, highlighted by a spectacular one-handed bobble and a 97-yard touchdown. Jefferson’s career trajectory is unmatched; he has accumulated more receiving yards (7,432) in his first five seasons than any other player in NFL history.
- Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns, Defensive End
Ranked as the NFL’s top defender for the second straight year, Myles Garrett continues to live up to his “Superman” moniker. The formidable pass rusher notched 14 sacks, marking his seventh consecutive season with double-digit sacks. Garrett also became the first player in NFL history to reach the 100-sack milestone before turning 29. Beyond his pass-rushing prowess, he proved to be a versatile defensive force, leading the league with 22 tackles for loss and even blocking a field goal that was returned for a score.
- Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens, Running Back
King Henry defied expectations in his age-31 season, cementing his place as one of the league’s premier running backs. His 1,921 rushing yards set a new record for any running back over the age of 30. His punishing running style was a perfect complement to quarterback Lamar Jackson, creating one of the league’s most feared offensive duos. Henry led the league with a remarkable +562 rushing yards over expected, demonstrating his unmatched ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact.
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals, Quarterback
After an injury-plagued 2023, Joe Burrow’s 2024 season was an MVP-level performance that earned him his second Comeback Player of the Year award. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43), setting new single-season franchise records for the Bengals. Burrow’s elite accuracy was on full display, as he became just the third quarterback in history to throw for over 4,500 yards and 40 touchdowns while throwing fewer than 10 interceptions.
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs, Quarterback
Despite posting career-low numbers in passing yards and touchdowns, Patrick Mahomes’ standing among his peers remains undisputed. The two-time MVP once again proved that winning is his specialty, leading the Chiefs to a 15-1 record as a starter. He showcased his incredible pocket presence and knack for making the impossible throw, leading the league with five fourth-quarter comebacks and seven game-winning drives.
- Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals, Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase rightfully tops all pass catchers on this year’s list after becoming just the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to win the “receiving triple crown,” leading the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17). At just 24 years old, he became the youngest ever to achieve the feat. His explosive plays, including a pair of 70-yard touchdowns against the Ravens, helped him set a new NFL record for the most receiving yards against a single opponent in a season (457).
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills, Quarterback
A more calculated and controlled version of Josh Allen resulted in his highest ranking yet. He led a Bills offense that, despite lacking star power, became a scoring machine, averaging over 30 points per game. Allen recorded a career-low six interceptions and became the only player in NFL history with 25-plus passing touchdowns, 10-plus rushing touchdowns, and a receiving score in a single season. His remarkable growth and leadership were recognized with the 2024 NFL MVP award.
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens, Quarterback
Lamar Jackson cemented his status as a one-of-a-kind game changer with his best statistical season as a passer. He set career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41), while also leading all quarterbacks with 915 rushing yards. Jackson became the first player in history to throw for over 4,000 yards and rush for over 800 in the same season, highlighting his unique dual-threat abilities that have made the Ravens perennial Super Bowl contenders.
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles, Running Back
Saquon Barkley caps a sensational debut season with the Eagles by claiming the top spot on the list, a massive jump of 85 places from the previous year. He is just the second running back in the list’s 15-year history to be ranked No. 1. Barkley’s historic campaign saw him join the 2,000-yard rushing club and earn the Offensive Player of the Year award. His incredible vision, speed, and elusiveness were on full display as he led the league in multiple categories, including rushing yards (2,005) and total scrimmage yards (2,504) including the playoffs. His dominant run helped propel the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, solidifying his place as the best player in the NFL.
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